Nearly 1 million Frigidaire-branded minifridges are being recalled due to potential fire hazards. This expanded recall, announced by Curtis International, affects 330,000 units in addition to the 634,000 minifridges recalled in July 2024. The announcement was made by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Thursday.
The CPSC has identified that internal electrical components in the affected minifridges can short-circuit, which may cause the surrounding plastic to ignite. This poses significant fire and burn risks to consumers. The recall specifically targets the Curtis International 6-can minifridge model EFMIS121, which was sold exclusively at Target stores and on Target.com from January 2020 until October 2023. The minifridges are red and feature the word “Frigidaire” prominently displayed on the front.
According to the recall notice, Curtis International has received at least six reports of the EFMIS121 model catching fire. The previous recall, which involved different models of Frigidaire minifridges, documented 26 incidents of smoking, sparking, burning, melting, overheating, and catching fire. The CPSC reported that property damages from these incidents exceeded $700,000.
Consumer Safety Guidelines
The CPSC strongly advises consumers who have purchased the EFMIS121 minifridge to stop using it immediately. They should unplug the device, cut the power cord, and clearly mark “Recall” on the front of the unit using a permanent marker. When disposing of the minifridge, it is crucial for consumers to adhere to local and state regulations.
To facilitate the return process, affected customers can visit www.recallrtr.com/minifridge to obtain a refund. The recall number for this specific product is 26-199.
This expanded recall highlights the importance of consumer awareness regarding potential hazards associated with electrical appliances. As manufacturers and regulatory bodies work together to ensure safety, consumers are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
